In 2000, after living in New Hampshire, he moved back down to Massachusetts to enroll in the audio production program at Boston's New England Institute of the Arts. That same year, Selektah started putting out mixtapes, namely his Spell My Name Right series. With his mixtapes and DJ gigs, Selektah never passed up the opportunity to champion local hip-hop from Boston and the surrounding New England area. In particular, Selektah was responsible for introducing fellow Lawrence, MA, native Termanology to the world, helming his Hood Politics mixtapes in the mid- to late 2000s. Managing all of these tasks became much easier when he established in 2003 his own PR/marketing firm ShowOff.
In 2006, he turned ShowOff Records into an official record label, with Termanology & Producer DC's Out the Gate LP as its first release. By this time, though, Selektah's prestige had grown considerably. His radio shows were playing in several places, from London to Mobile, AL; he produced beats for many artists, including Foxy Brown, AZ, and Joell Ortiz; and most importantly, the DJ dished out tons of mixtapes with big name and up-and-coming artists, such as Nas, Q-Tip, John Legend, Royce da 5'9" (The Bar Exam, co-hosted with DJ Premier), and Saigon.
Statik dropped his first LP, Spell My Name Right in 2007, and his follow up Stick 2 the Script album in 2008. Other artists he has produced for following that include Talib Kweli, Bun B, Styles P, Consequence, Freeway, M.O.P., and Jadakiss. Rockstar games reached out for Statik in late 2008 to enlist him as DJ and producer of the Grand Theft Auto IV update "the Lost and Damned", as well as 2 songs for Midnight Club: Los Angeles.
In March 2008, Selektah and Saigon recorded All In A Day's Work in a 24 hour period, and was acclaimed by critics. He also DJed for Q-tip on his 2009 Renassaince World Tour. Statik just dropped his third studio album, 100 Proof: The Hangover on Showoff/Brick Records.
In 2010 Statik Selektah released his fourth album, Population Control, on Duck Down Records to critical acclaim boasting features from a mix of up and coming MC's and well established veterans.
Statik's fifth album, Extended Play, was released on June 18, 2013, and features Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, Raekwon, Sean Price, Mac Miller, Black Thought, Noreaga, Lecrae, Lil' Fame, Styles P, Mike Posner, Termanology, Freddie Gibbs, Bun B, Joell Ortiz, Posdnuos of De La Soul, Talib Kweli, Troy Ave., Hit-Boy, Smif-N-Wessun, Flatbush Zombies, and many many more.
To the Top
Statik Selektah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tat his iPhone, the animal Ock I box bears
Got those quotes to Glock pop folks
Two times in the head and laugh, that's the knock-knock joke
Shots flying, I nail ya
Shots fly I nail ya, one eye open scopin I'm Popeye da Sailor
Used to get hungry off of the stress plate
Used to get money off a cassette tape
The godfather large armour logical, I'm on point chronological
I don't rock boots with spikes, nigga
Don't watch roots with white niggas
Bullets [?] when the eight's spitting
Blow this shit out of proportion, the race in racism
A degree for my declaration
When saying Sean P say da P with exclamation
Motherfucker
Let me tell you 'bout this story of a young'n
Raised in a ghetto that he was brung in
Round the drinkin' and druggin'
Had to box it out in backyards
So I put my Nike Airs on
And dug in the dirt and I started sluggin'
I lost some, I won some, but I fought them all
Trying not to be another name upon the wall
Lots of murals that's been painted in memory of
But I'm still here so before I'm gone gimme the love
Imma take my flowers now when I can still smell 'em
Then roll up the strongest trees and inhale em
The world is getting worse everyday I try to tell em
As long as you keep buying the lies then they gon' sell 'em
Y'all niggas is mad and they tired, ready to act out
You can't keep killing them and not expect them to black out
You locked the front doors on 'em and they take the backround
All your shit will leave your face with the shit smacked out
I'm fraying but I'm saying that I'm spraying cause I am if I have to
Salute the niggas laying on the land like a statue
If I say I'm staying where I stand I'ma vanish
If I say I'm out, I'm playing with the menace
That's like beef or vendetta
You wouldn't understand the goals without a mask on your face
Shoulda really feel somthing, when they blast in your face
If you playing in the jungle feel the wrath of those apes
But I'm positive and negative, ignorant and conscience too
Listen to the angels, but watch what the monsters do
You addicted niggas sponsor you
Tell you have another one, watch that shit conquer you
Even the wise do foolish shit
Even the cop kill a kid that go to school and shit
Believe it or not, stand still and you can move with it
Open your eyes and I ain't even got to prove this shit
Oh my god
How I humble myself
As I bow to your throne
I pray for love, peace and happiness
To be present in my home
Yes, I do
And let your heart
The lyrics of Statik Selektah's "To The Top" speak about the struggles and hard work of rappers on their journey to fame. The lyrics show the determination and dedication that a rapper has to put in to make it to the top tier. The opening line "I'm top ten" refers to the rapper's belief in their own abilities to be among the top ten rappers in the game. The following lines, "you tone up-top from the top tier, tat his iPhone, the animal Ock I box bears" refer to the rapper's willingness to take on any challenge, even if it means fighting bears.
The lyrics also show the rapper's past struggles, "Used to get hungry off of the stress plate, used to get money off a cassette tape." These lines describe a time when the rapper was struggling financially and made money selling mixtapes. The lyrics also highlight the issue of racism, "Bullets [?] when the eight's spitting, blow this shit out of proportion, the race in racism." The rapper talks about how media and society blow up racial tension and create issues that may not necessarily exist.
Furthermore, the second verse speaks about the rapper's experiences growing up in a ghetto, where he had to fight for survival. These experiences and fights taught the rapper how to be resilient and tough. The last verse refers to the rapper's belief in standing up for what's right and fighting for justice. The lines, "Believe it or not, stand still and you can move with it, open your eyes and I ain't even got to prove this shit," convey that change can happen if we are willing to take a stand.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm top ten, you tone up-top from the top tier
I am among the top ten artists, while you are barely noticeable, even from the highest tier of the industry.
Tat his iPhone, the animal Ock I box bears
I am so skilled, I could tattoo a bear on a person's iPhone, and defeat even Doc Ock and his animal allies in a boxing match.
Got those quotes to Glock pop folks
My words hit harder than bullets, and can make even the toughest gangsters flinch.
Two times in the head and laugh, that's the knock-knock joke
I am unafraid to use lethal force, and take joy in dispensing it, like a twisted version of a harmless knock-knock joke.
Shots flying, I nail ya
My aim with a firearm is deadly accurate, and I won't hesitate to pull the trigger if necessary.
Shots fly I nail ya, one eye open scopin I'm Popeye da Sailor
Like the cartoon character Popeye, I am always ready for a fight, and can spot danger with ease.
Used to get hungry off of the stress plate
I used to struggle to survive, and would often go hungry because of it.
Used to get money off a cassette tape
I started my career making music on cassette tapes, and had to hustle to make any money from it.
The best ain't made great
Just because someone is already the best at what they do, doesn't mean they can't strive to be even greater.
The godfather large armour logical, I'm on point chronological
I am a leader in my field, with an intelligent and organized approach, and always stay on schedule.
I don't rock boots with spikes, nigga
I don't follow trends or try to make a statement with my fashion choices, I just do me.
Don't watch roots with white niggas
I don't trust white people when it comes to understanding the struggles and history of Black people.
Bullets [?] when the eight's spitting
The bullets from my gun are so deadly, they could obliterate anything in their path.
Blow this shit out of proportion, the race in racism
People often exaggerate the impact or significance of racial issues, causing unnecessary tension and strife.
A degree for my declaration
I have a well thought-out opinion or plan, and am very confident in my stance.
When saying Sean P say da P with exclamation
Always show respect for my name by pronouncing it correctly and with enthusiasm.
Let me tell you 'bout this story of a young'n
I want to share a personal anecdote about my own experiences growing up.
Raised in a ghetto that he was brung in
I was born and raised in a poverty-stricken, crime-ridden neighborhood.
Round the drinkin' and druggin'
Surrounded by the temptations and vices of drugs and alcohol in my environment.
Had to box it out in backyards
I had to physically fight to defend myself and prove my worth in my neighborhood.
So I put my Nike Airs on
I prepared for battle, both literally and figuratively, by lacing up my sneakers.
And dug in the dirt and I started sluggin'
I squared up and got into a fistfight, determined to come out on top.
I lost some, I won some, but I fought them all
I may not have always won my battles, but I never backed down, and faced every challenge head on.
Trying not to be another name upon the wall
I didn't want to become just another victim of violence, and fought to stay alive and succeed despite the odds.
Lots of murals that's been painted in memory of
There are a lot of memorial murals in my neighborhood, commemorating those who lost their lives in violent incidents.
But I'm still here so before I'm gone gimme the love
Despite the dangers and hardships, I survived and achieved success, and want to be appreciated for it while I'm still alive.
Imma take my flowers now when I can still smell 'em
I want to enjoy and celebrate my accomplishments while I'm still alive and able to appreciate them.
Then roll up the strongest trees and inhale em
I want to indulge in some of my favorite cannabis strains and enjoy the moment after achieving success.
The world is getting worse everyday I try to tell em
Despite my personal success, I am aware of and concerned about the overall negative direction of society.
As long as you keep buying the lies then they gon' sell 'em
The media and powers that be will perpetuate falsehoods and lies as long as people continue to believe and support them.
Y'all niggas is mad and they tired, ready to act out
Many people are frustrated and fed up with the injustices and issues in society, and are prepared to take action as a result.
You can't keep killing them and not expect them to black out
The continuous killing and oppression of marginalized groups will eventually lead to a violent uprising or retaliation.
You locked the front doors on 'em and they take the backround
When people are denied basic opportunities and resources, they will find alternative means to survive and succeed.
All your shit will leave your face with the shit smacked out
If you continue to perpetuate falsehoods and oppress marginalized groups, you will eventually face consequences and backlash.
I'm fraying but I'm saying that I'm spraying cause I am if I have to
Despite feeling worn down or frustrated, I am always ready and willing to fight and defend myself if necessary.
Salute the niggas laying on the land like a statue
I pay respect to those who have fallen or lost their lives in the struggle, acknowledging their sacrifice and bravery.
If I say I'm staying where I stand I'ma vanish
If I make it clear that I'm unwilling to back down or compromise, I may face retaliation or negative consequences.
If I say I'm out, I'm playing with the menace
If I choose to bow out or leave a situation, it may be seen as a sign of weakness or invite attack from others.
That's like beef or vendetta
In certain situations, refusing to fight or back down could be seen as equivalent to starting a personal feud or vendetta.
You wouldn't understand the goals without a mask on your face
Without actually experiencing or being part of a certain lifestyle or culture, it's impossible to fully comprehend or appreciate its motivations or goals.
Shoulda really feel somthing, when they blast in your face
The harsh reality and violence of life and death become all too real when someone experiences it firsthand.
If you playing in the jungle feel the wrath of those apes
If you choose to involve yourself in dangerous, high-risk situations or environments, be prepared to face the negative consequences and retaliation from those involved.
But I'm positive and negative, ignorant and conscience too
I possess a range of emotions and attitudes, both positive and negative, and am often conflicted in my beliefs and actions.
Listen to the angels, but watch what the monsters do
It's important to receive guidance and advice from positive, supportive influences, but also be aware of the actions and motivations of more negative or dangerous individuals.
You addicted niggas sponsor you
I recognize that many people are trapped in a cycle of addiction or negative behavior, and often supported or enabled by others in the same situation.
Tell you have another one, watch that shit conquer you
Others may encourage or push you towards more negative or destructive behavior, but it ultimately falls on you to recognize and avoid those traps.
Even the wise do foolish shit
Even those who possess knowledge or experience can still make mistakes or poor decisions.
Even the cop kill a kid that go to school and shit
Even those who are meant to serve and protect can sometimes commit unforgivable atrocities or mistakes, often with severe consequences.
Believe it or not, stand still and you can move with it
Sometimes it's best to stay calm and rooted in a situation, rather than overreacting or making hasty decisions, in order to achieve the best outcome.
Open your eyes and I ain't even got to prove this shit
If you take the time to observe and analyze the world around you, it's often quite clear what's going on and what needs to be done.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BERNARD JAMES FREEMAN, DAVID STYLES, PATRICK BARIL, SEAN PRICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BETTAVIBES80
This shit still go hard in 2023! Classic at this point
@HyperArtLV
2021 and this SS track STILL SLAPS
@justhime
Confirming still slapping in 2022
@gumuru
Still here 2020. Still hits
@johnnybing91
This track is so melodic & dreamy I love it.
@Lacdad0215
They don't make music like this anymore
@mrgnigga
cass and siagon......twoo of my favorite rappers.....tooo ill....and the beat sends me to another place
@keeleeleelee9405
2021! #dope !!! Obssesion ! This is ART!!! I was 16 when my brother showed me This video <3 12 years ago, daaamn !
@LJUNGBERG3
Seriously. The time has flown
@oranef88
Randomly started rapping this one day...had to come back!!!!